From Iraq to Edinburgh: Yasir celebrates his MBA achievement

After three years of balancing work, family life and studying online from Iraq, Yasir Alkhuzaie travelled thousands of miles to Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Campus to celebrate graduating with his MBA, a milestone he had worked hard to reach.

Standing in Edinburgh at his graduation, the significance of the moment was clear.

“I’m very proud of myself to reach this point in my career,” said Yasir.

Graduation marked a huge milestone in a journey that began in 2023, when Yasir was already an established professional working in Iraq’s healthcare sector. Since then, his studies have helped him develop new skills, progress into a more senior role and think differently about where his career could take him next.

Taking the next step in his career

Before starting his MBA, Yasir had already built strong technical expertise working with medical devices in Iraq, including installing, maintaining and repairing equipment.

But as his responsibilities grew, he realised that technical knowledge alone wouldn't give him everything he needed to take the next step.

“I reached a point in my career that the technical information and expertise alone was not enough,” he said.

Yasir wanted to strengthen his leadership capabilities, deepen his financial understanding and develop a more strategic mindset.

He began researching MBA programmes, looking for one that would allow him to develop those skills without stepping away from his career. He chose the online MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University because it gave him the flexibility to do both.

“The flexibility of the study was the key,” he said.

Studying from Iraq while continuing to work

For Yasir, starting his MBA meant adding study to an already busy life. He was working as Deputy Project Manager at ALITKAN Company, an advanced partner for Siemens Healthineers in Iraq, while also balancing family commitments.

The online format gave him the flexibility to organise his learning around both. He could study at his own pace, revisit course materials when needed and apply new ideas directly to his work.

“The availability of the courses online gives you the chance to return to the courses,” he noted, "The course materials can also be applied directly to the business."

As his studies progressed, that practical connection became increasingly valuable, helping him build the knowledge and confidence to take on his next professional challenge.

An MBA journey that opened new doors

Just one year after beginning his MBA, Yasir was promoted from Deputy Project Manager to Project Manager for oncology projects – a significant step forward in his career.

“My MBA just opened the doors for this promotion,” he said.

The promotion gave Yasir the opportunity to apply the business, leadership and strategic skills he was developing through his studies to a role with greater responsibility.

Balancing that progression with his MBA, work and family life required commitment. Yasir took part in time-management workshops and received regular support from our student engagement team, helping him stay on track and identify further opportunities to develop.

He also valued having access to academic support whenever he needed it.

“You can just contact the professor for any kind of question that you have,” he said.

Throughout the journey, Yasir’s family remained an important source of encouragement.

“My family supported me to complete my studies. It was key for my success in this achievement.”

Celebrating how far he has come

Travelling to Edinburgh for graduation meant more to Yasir than simply attending a ceremony. It was an opportunity for him to mark everything that had happened since he decided to invest in his education.

He had started the MBA wanting to become a stronger leader and develop a broader understanding of business and arrived at graduation having completed his degree and already moved into a more senior role.

For Yasir, receiving confirmation that he had earned his master’s degree had already been a defining moment. It reminded him that the late nights spent studying after work and the sacrifices made alongside his family had been worth it.

Coming to Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus gave him the opportunity to celebrate that achievement in person.

And while graduation marks the end of his MBA, Yasir is already focused on what he can do with it.

He plans to use what he has learned to improve project efficiency, strengthen collaboration and support the delivery of high-value healthcare projects in Iraq. He also wants to pass his knowledge on to colleagues and contribute more widely through his work.

“I hope to help my organisation grow and also I hope to contribute to my society, and help my country,” he said.

Investing in what comes next

Yasir’s journey has taken him from studying online alongside a demanding career in Iraq to celebrating his MBA at Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh.

Along the way, he has developed his skills, taken on greater responsibility and opened up new possibilities for his future.

His advice to anyone considering whether to take that next step is straightforward.

“Believe in yourself. It is the key for success. Search for opportunity to develop the skills that you have.”

For Yasir, choosing to do exactly that has already changed his career: “It’s the most important investment that I have done for myself.”

Explore our online programmes and find out how you could become one of our future graduates.